1. What was it like meeting the ama women in Japan? What did you learn from them that helped with the creation of the novel?
2. With the historical integration of WWII in the plot, why did you choose to leave out the naval warfare of the Pacific between the allied nations and Japan?
3. If you had to change anything in the novel, what would it be? And why?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Three Questions
1. Is there any aspects of the novel you now wish you had done differently? What would these changes be and why?
2. If the characters presented in this novel are in fact completely fictional then how does one create such varied and detailed characters / character interactions?
3. The octopus is often seen throughout the last half of this novel. What symbolism does this creature hold in terms of the novel?
---Aaron Abel
2. If the characters presented in this novel are in fact completely fictional then how does one create such varied and detailed characters / character interactions?
3. The octopus is often seen throughout the last half of this novel. What symbolism does this creature hold in terms of the novel?
---Aaron Abel
Questions for Govier
1) Why did you choose to write about pearl diving? Also, have you experienced it yourself or know someone who has? Your description of a dive is beautifully written, and makes the reader feel like they are actually experiencing it, so I thought you might have experience with it.
2) Were the three views of the novel your beginning outline, or did they develop as you wrote the novel?
3) Why did you choose Japan as the country Vera goes to? I understand you have been there, and wonder if the culture inspired you to relate it to Canada in the novel, and if so, why?
2) Were the three views of the novel your beginning outline, or did they develop as you wrote the novel?
3) Why did you choose Japan as the country Vera goes to? I understand you have been there, and wonder if the culture inspired you to relate it to Canada in the novel, and if so, why?
1. What was your initial starting point for the conception of the novel? The pearl? The sword? The prints? WWII? A coming of age story? After that first idea came about, how did the novel develop?
2. I understand that a great deal of research went into the preparation of the novel. Can you tell us how the research process partnered up with the writing process? How did these two processes work together? Did a story evolve out of the research or did you have the narrative stories in mind already and the research came to support those stories?
3. How much of your own self did you put into the story? Did you insert yourself anywhere at all? Where could we as readers look to find hints of you as a person and your own life?
2. I understand that a great deal of research went into the preparation of the novel. Can you tell us how the research process partnered up with the writing process? How did these two processes work together? Did a story evolve out of the research or did you have the narrative stories in mind already and the research came to support those stories?
3. How much of your own self did you put into the story? Did you insert yourself anywhere at all? Where could we as readers look to find hints of you as a person and your own life?
Questions
1) I find it interesting that you intertwine characters from other novels inside of some of your works. What does this show? Or rather, why did you do it?
2) Pearl diving is a very random occupation to choose. I am wondering why you would choose such a topic of interest. I am interested to know why you have an interest with the idea of water and finding yourself. Is this water world supposed to be a sign of rebirth?
3) Finally, I understand you spent some time in Japan. What caused you to write a novel in which a Canadian person goes to another country rather than an Oriental person coming to Canada?
2) Pearl diving is a very random occupation to choose. I am wondering why you would choose such a topic of interest. I am interested to know why you have an interest with the idea of water and finding yourself. Is this water world supposed to be a sign of rebirth?
3) Finally, I understand you spent some time in Japan. What caused you to write a novel in which a Canadian person goes to another country rather than an Oriental person coming to Canada?
Josh Wilk Govier questions
Why does Vera wish to be a part of the community in Japan when she's a loner in Canada?
Are the Ama women the female equivalent of the samurai?
Explain the last line of the book in relation and comparison to the historical events that took place within the novel (Pearl Harbor and Fat man and Little boy). Is it irony or something else?
Are the Ama women the female equivalent of the samurai?
Explain the last line of the book in relation and comparison to the historical events that took place within the novel (Pearl Harbor and Fat man and Little boy). Is it irony or something else?
Govier Questions
1. Are any of the novel's characters based off of real people you knew, either friends or just acquaintances?
2. How long did take you to complete the novel?
3. What is your favorite novel that you have written? Why? Does critical acclaim always equal success for you as an author or do you find it is more about the complexity/quality of the story for you?
2. How long did take you to complete the novel?
3. What is your favorite novel that you have written? Why? Does critical acclaim always equal success for you as an author or do you find it is more about the complexity/quality of the story for you?
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